Huey Thomas Wells Jr.

Huey Thomas Wells, Jr. (“Tommy”) passed away July 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. Tommy is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Jan McKenzie Wells; his daughter, Lynlee Wells Palmer; his son Huey Thomas Wells, III (“Trey”) and daughter-in-law Haas Peake Wells; his grandchildren McKenzie Taylor Palmer, Charlotte Adele Palmer, Thomas Hutton Wells, and Catherine Louise Wells; and his sister, Ruth Allison Wells Stone (Terry).

Tommy was born on March 22, 1950 to the late Dr. Huey Thomas Wells (“Spike”) and Ruth Allison Wells in Gadsden, Alabama. He graduated from Gadsden High School, having served as President of the Student Council and in the YMCA Youth Legislature Program. Tommy then attended the University of Alabama, where he was President of the SGA, and a member of the Jasons, Omicron Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and Air Force ROTC. He graduated with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Tommy attended the University of Alabama School of Law, graduating as a member of Order of the Coif, the Alabama Law Review, and the Farrah Order of Jurisprudence. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Suffolk University in 2008.

Following law school, Tommy served in the Air Force, working as legal counsel in the Pentagon, and later became a founding partner of Birmingham-based law firm Maynard Cooper & Gale, now known as Maynard Nexsen. His countless legal accolades include recognition by: Chambers USA; The Best Lawyers in America; Benchmark Litigation; and Who’s Who Legal. He was a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Litigation Counsel of America, and the American College of Environmental Lawyers.

Tommy was a valued leader in many areas of the legal community. He was a member of the Birmingham Bar Association, the Alabama State Bar, and the American Bar Association (“ABA”). In the ABA, he served as Chair of the Section of Litigation (1999-2000), Chair of the House of Delegates (2002-2004), and President (2008-2009), among many other contributions. Throughout his legal career, he dedicated himself to what he called “common core values that unite” the legal profession: access to justice, independence of the bar and judiciary, diversity, and the rule of law. Legal Services Alabama created the “Tommy Wells Justice Award” to honor his service, the recipients of which include Senator Richard Shelby, Representatives Terri Sewell and Spencer Bachus, and Judge John England.

Tommy served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Birmingham (Chair, 2003-2006); the Board of Directors for Scholarships for Kids; the University of Alabama President’s Council; and the Board of Governors for Shoal Creek (2004-2009).

Tommy was a selfless man, leading by example and preferring the focus to be on his missions rather than himself. Despite his many accomplishments, Tommy’s favorite roles were husband to Jan, his “Sunshine” and the love of his life; Daddun and inspiration to Lynlee and Trey, both of whom followed him into the legal profession; “G” to Mac, Adele, Thomas, and Catherine, for whom he was the number one fan at many games, recitals, and concerts; Chief Walker of his beloved dog Kenzie; avid golfer; and prolific “dad joke” teller.

The family expresses immeasurable gratitude to Dr. David Sibley, NP Marie Kilpatrick, and the entire cardiac team at Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral mass. A private family burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, Legal Services Alabama, Scholarships for Kids, the American Heart Association, or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.